RAPIDS SIGN STAR MEXICAN FIRST DIVISION PLAYER DAVID PATINO

DENVER (Monday, April 28,1993) -- The Colorado Rapids today signed one of Mexico's most dangerous and versatile midfielders, David Patino, in a move that should immediately bolster the Major League Soccer team's offense while greatly improving its overall depth as it makes a run for MLS Cup '97.

Patino has 34 appearances and four goals with the Mexican National Team and comes to the Rapids from Monterrey, a Mexican First Division Team where he has played since 1993. The 29-year-old forward/midfielder leads Monterrey this season with 10 goals and five assists.

He is considered one of the. top 30 players in Mexico and played in a recent World Cup 1998 qualifying match against Jamaica. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound Patino has more than 700 appearances in the Mexican First Division, collecting six goals and six assists for Monterrey in 1995-96.

"David is a linchpin player," said Rapids coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick. "He will further strengthen our midfield and add another high-voltage element to our attack. I expect him to thrive in our new possession-style attack and become a dangerous playmaker as well as a goal-scoring finisher."

Patino started in Mexico's final 1994 World Cup qualifying match on May 9, 1993, a World Cup-clinching 2-1 victory over Canada. The MLS-allocated player has been in Mexico's National Team lineup on a consistent basis since spring 1993, and he would have likely played in the 1994 World Cup had he not suffered a knee injury.

He shined in the Copa America '93 tournament, starting four matches and scoring Mexico's only goal in a 1-1 tie vs. Argentina. He led Mexico to a runner-up finish in the tournament.

"I am very excited to get the opportunity to play for the Colorado Rapids, and I hope to make the most of it by raising the team's level of play and offensive production," Patino said.

Monterrey is currently in second place in its group of the Mexican First Division. Before joining Monterrey, Patino played for Pumas in the Mexican First Division from 1986-93, leading the team to the Mexican League Championship in 1990-91. Pumas finished runners-up in 1987-88.

Patino is the fourth Hispanic player to be added to the new-look Rapids roster this season. Midfield starters Rafael Amaya (Colombia), Adrian Paz (Uruguay) and Tote Castaneda (Mexico) all joined the club this season as well.

The Rapids hope to have Patino play in his first game on Saturday, May 10, at Tampa Bay. He will not be available for this Saturday's home game against Tampa Bay due to commitments with Monterrey.

Patino is married and has two children, with a third due in August.

DAVID PATINO

Position:                   Forward/midfielder
Height:                     5-8
Weight:                     150 pounds
Born:                       September 6, 1967, Mexico
Hometown:                   Mexico City
Citizenship:                Mexico
College:                    None
Professional Experience:    Universidad de Mexico (Pumas),Mexican First
                            Division, 1986-93
                            Monterrey, Mexican First Division, 1993-97
Mexican National Team:      34 appearances.